North American AT-6D N515SA accident near Huntington, Indiana

Probable cause

Loss of directional control during landing that resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot of the personal flight reported that while landing the tailwheel equipped airplane, a gust of wind was encountered at touchdown resulting in the right wing contacting the ground. He applied engine power to regain control of the airplane but applied too much power, and the airplane swerved to the left. During the swerve, the right main landing gear strut broke, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane partially exited the side of the runway. The right wing impacted the ground. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane. The airplane received substantial damage to the right wing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA193 for the full record.